Despite interest from Cardinals, linebacker James Harrison retires

Veteran outside linebacker James Harrison was in the Valley this week, where he met with Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians and general manager Steve Keim.

Despite mutual interest, the two sides could not consummate a deal as of Friday night.

Saturday, the two-time Super Bowl champion made it official that he won't be joining the Cardinals or any other team in 2014.

Posted to his official Facebook account, Harrison announced his retirement from the NFL:

I have made the difficult decision to retire as of today. My love for my family and the need to be there for them outweighs my desire to play the game. I have missed too many experiences with them because I devoted SO much time to my career. My love for the game isn't strong enough to make up for missing one more birthday or first day of school. I am retiring as a man who is truly grateful for all of his blessings. I am sincerely thankful to the people who have supported me over the years, first and foremost my family, the Rooney family and my Steeler family, also Mr. Brown, the Bengals organization and fans, and last but FAR from least, Steeler Nation. Thank you.

The former Kent State standout played parts of 10 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2004-12) and Cincinnati Bengals (2013), recording 66 sacks and 472 tackles.

An undrafted free agent back in 2002, Harrison was a five-time Pro Bowler during his career.